Retained lock system and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box. The apparatus comprises a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring. The apparatus further comprises at least a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/686,695, filed Jun. 3, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a lock with a retainingstructure, and more specifically, it relates to apparatus, systems andmethods for securing at least one structure or a portion of a utilityservice enclosure such as, for example, a watthour meter sealing ring toprevent the separation of two opposing members of the watthour metersealing ring.

2. Description of the Background

Electrical service providers generally deliver electricity to theircustomers via power lines buried underground or distributed along polesor towers overhead. The provider's power lines are usually distributedfrom a power generation station to numerous sets of customer lines, sothat customers can then use the power to satisfy their variouselectrical needs. To measure delivered power so that customers can bebilled in proportion to their usage, service providers typicallyterminate their power lines at a customer's home or business facilitythrough a metered socket box, various designs for which are well known.

A meter box is generally used by electric utility companies, however theinvention wherein may be used with other utility service enclosures inthe gas, water, cable, TV utility industries or in other industries aswell.

An example of one previously known meter box consists of two sets ofelectrical posts, with a provider's transmission lines being connectedto one set of posts, and the customer's service lines to the other set.In order to measure the amount of electricity a customer uses, the meterbox is configured to accept a watt-hour meter or another electricityusage measurement device, which, when plugged into the socket box,permits transmission of electricity from the provider to the customerand allows the amount of transmitted electricity to be accuratelymeasured, so that the provider can charge the customer for power usageat an appropriate rate.

Various designs and uses for watthour meters are also well known, andall such designs and uses are incorporated by reference into theteachings of the present invention. The present invention is alsoapplicable in situations where the customer's service lines are routedfrom the meter box to a breaker box so that electricity can bedistributed to multiple service locations using additional sets ofelectrical lines or wires.

Presently, there are various types of meter socket boxes, eachdistinguished by the manner in which the meter is secured in place onceit has been plugged into an electrical socket disposed in the meter box.For example, a ringed-type meter box fitted with a flanged front coveris known, within which a watthour meter is disposed so that a headportion of the meter passes out through a flanged opening in the frontcover. In this configuration, the meter is generally held in place usingan annular, lockable sealing ring. A plunger type lock is typically usedthat is adapted to hold the ends of the sealing ring together. However,the lock is typically separate from the sealing ring beforeinstallation. This type of lock also has to be in the “unlocked”position prior to installation; this results in operator inconveniencedue to the need for having to handle multiple components simultaneously.When the sealing ring is removed from the meter box, the lock willseparate from the apertures or confines of the sealing ring, thusforcing the ring installer to once again handle multiple componentssimultaneously when the sealing ring is to be reinstalled on a meterbox. Moreover, sometimes a key is required to reengage the lock.

In an attempt to overcome some of these shortcomings, there are variouslocks that can be installed on ring-type meter socket boxes. Some ofthese locks can be locked without the use of a key or describe otherlocking features. Several examples of patents which disclose attempts tosolve some of the above problems are set forth as follows.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,670 to Agbay et al., entitled “Lock assembly withself retained barrel lock,” is directed to a security device whichcomprises a first component having a through first passageway surroundedby an internal first recess, and a second component having a secondpassageway surrounded by an internal second recess. The first and secondcomponents are configured for assembly in a mating relationship with thefirst and second passageways in communication with each other and incoaxial alignment. A lock has a barrel containing a spring and plungerand carrying radially shiftable locking elements, with the plunger beingnormally biased by the spring in one direction urging the lockingelements into expanded positions protruding radially from the barrel.The barrel is insertable into and releasably retained in an unlockedposition in the first passageway with the locking elements expandedradially outwardly into the first recess, and is shiftable by aforwardly applied axial force into a locked position in the secondpassageway with the locking elements expanded into the second recess.The first recess has a forward surface configured to coact with thelocking elements in response to the forwardly applied force to exert areactionary force urging the locking elements radially inwardly andurging the plunger in the opposite direction to accommodate retractionof the locking elements from the first recess. This reference isincorporated by reference herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,999 to Chen, entitled “Padlock with a U-shaped lockcasing,” sets forth a padlock which includes a U-shaped lock casinghaving intercommunicated core receiving space and latch recess, alignedfirst and second shackle insert holes, and a slide channel communicatingthe second shackle insert hole with the latch recess. A lock core unitis received in the core receiving space, and includes a latch memberextending into the latch recess and rotatable inside the latch recessbetween locking and unlocking positions. The latch member has an endface formed with a pin hole eccentric to an axis of the lock core unit.A shackle bar extends into the first and second shackle insert holes. Acatch member is disposed slidably in the latch recess, and is formedwith a pin extending rotatably into the pin hole in the latch member forengaging the latch member. This reference is incorporated by referenceherein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,751 to Korpanty et al., entitled “Inflation valve,”is directed to an inflation valve which has a valve housing having aninner wall, a cylindrical inner chamber terminating in a gas outlet, anda gas inlet bore providing fluid communication between the inner chamberand a pressurized gas source. A piston enclosed in the inner chamber hasat one end a head directed toward the gas outlet and at the opposite enda valve actuator connector. The piston further has a gas inlet seal,positioned between the head and the actuator connector, that releasablyseals the gas inlet bore from the inner chamber when the piston is in anormal, non-actuated position. A valve actuator connected to theactuator connector operates to pull the piston, thereby moving the gasinlet seal away from the gas inlet bore and putting the inner chamber influid communication with the gas inlet bore and pressurized gas source.A regulating spring contacting the piston close to the actuatorconnector is compressible by the force of pressure exerted by gascontained within the inner chamber and the gas inlet bore and operatesto position the piston to control or regulate the outlet pressure. Thisreference is incorporated by reference herein.

There remains a need for a retained lock apparatus, system, and methodfor securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, tosecure a utility service enclosure, such as for example, a meter sealingring having, for example, ends adapted to mount a lock and a receivingmember. There is a need for an apparatus having a retaining sleeve thatprevents removal of the lock from the sealing ring after the lock hasbeen disengaged from the lock receiving member or housing. There is afurther need for a sleeve adapted to enable the lock to remain in a“preloaded” state until the meter sealing ring is to be installed ontothe meter box and the lock is to be engaged into the lock receivinghousing.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate the present invention whichaddresses the above needs and other significant needs the solution towhich are discussed hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to retain a lock to a portion of awatthour meter sealing ring.

Another object of the present invention is to retain a lock to awatthour meter sealing ring after the sealing ring has been disengagedfrom the watthour meter and meter box base, while also allowing the lockto be engaged into a lock receiving member of the sealing ring withoutthe use of a key.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock assemblythat can be easily installed onto a watthour meter sealing ring Anotherobject of the present invention is to provide a retaining sleeve thatcan be installed onto an assembled lock.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a meter sealingring assembly or combination that can be installed and locked onto awatthour meter box without the need for special tools or keys.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a meter sealingring assembly that when unlocked, will allow a lock to be easilypositioned for relocking at a later time without the use of a key.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a retaining sleevethat will retain locking members (which may be cylindrical and/ormoveable) of a lock.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a retaining sleevethat will slide on a lock shaft, allowing locking members (which may bespherical and/or moveable), to expand in a radial direction.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions givenherein, and the appended claims. However, it will be understood that theabove-listed objectives and/or advantages of the invention are intendedonly as an aid in quickly understanding aspects of the invention, arenot intended to limit the invention in any way, and therefore do notform a comprehensive or restrictive list of objectives, and/or features,and/or advantages. Accordingly the present invention provides a lockingapparatus for securing at least one structure or a portion of utilityservice enclosure such as, for example, a watthour meter socket ring toprevent the separation of two opposing members of the watthour metersocket box ring, so as to address the needs as described above.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to secure at least one structure or aplurality of structures, to lock a utility service enclosure, such asfor example, a meter sealing ring having ends adapted to mount a lockand a receiving member, and to retain a lock to a portion of a watthourmeter sealing ring.

One example embodiment the invention generally includes at least a lockand a retaining sleeve. The retaining sleeve generally includes at leastan aperture, a radial groove, a captive shoulder, and a retainingflange. The lock generally includes at least a head member, a shaftmember, multiple spherical (in one example embodiment) locking members,and a cylindrical groove disposed on shaft member. The lock shaft memberis adapted to pass through a portion of the sealing ring and receive(permanently, in one example embodiment) the retaining sleeve, thuscaptivating (or for example, slidably capturing) the lock onto thesealing ring. The captive shoulder disposed on the retaining sleeve isadapted to loosely engage onto the space defined by the cylindricalgroove disposed on the shaft member, allowing the retaining sleeve tolimitably slide in opposing axial positions. In one example embodiment,the retaining sleeve is preferably adapted to restrict a portion of thelock to facilitate securing the lock portion to the receiving memberwithout the use of a key. For example, in a “preloaded” position, theretaining sleeve is located to the front of the lock shaft (furthestfrom the lock head), captivating and preventing the spherical lockingmembers from extending radially into the “locked” position. When the tipof the lock shaft is inserted and pressed into the lock receivingmember, the retaining sleeve slides toward the rear of the lock shaft(closest to the lock head) and away from the spherical locking members,allowing them to enter into and radially expand into the lock receivingmember; this is the “locked” position. When the lock is unlocked andpulled away from the lock receiving member, the retaining sleeve isforced back to the “preloaded” position, retaining the spherical lockingmembers once again.

Another example embodiment of the present invention includes at least alocking apparatus for securing at least one structure.

Another example embodiment provides an apparatus for securing orconnecting and disconnecting a plurality of structures, each of theplurality of structures defining an aperture therein, the apparatusincluding at least a lock insertable into at least one of each of theapertures of the plurality of structures and a receiving member whichmay be releaseably or permanently retained to at least one of theplurality of structures, wherein the lock comprises a shaft member, alocking structure, and a head member; and a receiving member adapted tosecure or retain at least a part of the shaft member, the plurality ofstructures being connected between the head member and the receivingmember, wherein the head member has a structural configuration adaptedto receive a key for unlocking the lock, and wherein the lock is adaptedto be retained to at least one of the plurality of structures.

Another example embodiment of a system is provided for securing orconnecting and disconnecting a plurality of structures, each of theplurality of structures defining an aperture therein, the systemincluding at least means for inserting a lock into at least one of eachof the apertures of the plurality of structures and a receiving memberwhich may have means for releaseably or permanently retaining thereceiving member to at least one of the plurality of structures, whereinthe lock comprises a shaft member, a means for locking, and a headmember; and a means for receiving the lock, the means for receivingbeing adapted to secure or retain at least a part of the shaft member,the plurality of structures being connected between the head member andthe receiving member, wherein the head member has means for receiving akey for unlocking the lock, and wherein the lock has means for retainingthe lock to at least one of the plurality of structures.

In another example embodiment of the system the plurality of structurescomprises first and second ends of a ring adapted to attach a meter to ameter box structure, each of the first and second ends of the ringdefining an aperture therein.

An example embodiment of a method provides for securing first and secondends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use ininstalling a meter to a watthour meter box, the method including atleast: mounting a lock to the first end of the sealing ring, the lockhaving a shank portion and a head member; and retaining the lock with aretaining sleeve, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of thesealing ring.

An example embodiment of a system provides for securing first and secondends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use ininstalling a meter to a watthour meter box, the system including atleast: means for mounting a lock to the first end of the sealing ring,the lock having a shank portion and a head member; and means forretaining the lock with a retaining sleeve, wherein the lock is retainedon the first end of the sealing ring.

An example embodiment of an apparatus provides for securing first andsecond ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted foruse in installing a meter to a watthour meter box, the apparatuscomprising: a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprisingmoveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through anaperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring; and a retainingsleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock isretained on the first end of the sealing ring.

An example embodiment of a method provides for securing first and secondends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use ininstalling a meter to a watthour meter box, the method comprising:mounting a lock to the first end of the sealing ring, the lock having ashank portion and a head member; retaining the lock with a retainingsleeve, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealingring; and securing the lock portion to a receiving member with the firstand second ends held between the receiving member and head member.

An example embodiment of the method further comprises the step ofslidably capturing a part of the lock portion within the retainingsleeve, wherein the lock portion is selectively guidable when securingthe lock portion to the receiving member in a locked position.

An example embodiment of the method further comprises the step ofpreloading a part of the lock portion within the retaining sleeve tofacilitate securing the lock portion to the receiving member without theuse of a key.

An example embodiment of the method further comprises the step ofreleaseably securing the lock portion to the receiving member.

In another example embodiment of the method the lock portion may beremoved from the receiving member in an unlocked position, and whereinthe lock portion remains retained by the retaining sleeve.

An example embodiment of the method further comprises the step ofreleaseably retaining the lock portion to the retaining member whereinthe lock portion may be completely withdrawn from the aperture of thesealing ring

An example embodiment of the method further comprises further comprisingthe step of interengaging the lock, first and second ring ends,retaining sleeve, and receiving member as a combination, wherein atleast a portion of the combination is separable but still interengagedin the combination.

An example embodiment of the system provides for securing first andsecond ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted foruse in installing a meter to a watthour meter box, the systemcomprising: means for mounting a lock to the first end of the sealingring, the lock having a lock portion and a head member; means forretaining the lock portion with a retaining sleeve, wherein the lock isretained on the first end of the sealing ring. Another embodiment mayinclude means for securing the lock portion to a receiving member withthe first and second ends held between the receiving member and headmember.

An example embodiment of the system further comprises means for slidablycapturing a part of the lock portion within the retaining sleeve,wherein the lock portion is selectively guidable when securing the lockportion to the receiving member in a locked position.

An example embodiment of the system further comprises means forpreloading a part of the lock portion within the retaining sleeve tofacilitate securing the lock portion to the receiving member without theuse of a key.

An example embodiment of the system further comprises means forreleaseably securing the lock portion to the receiving member.

In another example embodiment of the system the lock portion may beremoved from the receiving member in an unlocked position, and whereinthe lock portion remains retained by the retaining sleeve.

An example embodiment of the system further comprises means forreleaseably retaining the lock portion to the retaining member whereinthe lock portion may be completely withdrawn from the aperture of thesealing ring.

An example embodiment of the system further comprises for interengagingthe lock, first and second ring ends, retaining sleeve, and receivingmember as a combination, wherein at least a portion of the combinationis separable but still interengaged in the combination.

An example embodiment of an apparatus provides for securing first andsecond ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted foruse in installing a meter to a watthour meter box, the apparatuscomprising: a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprisingmoveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through anaperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring; a retaining sleeveadapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained onthe first end of the sealing ring; and a receiving member adapted tosecure the moveable locking members of the shank portion with the firstand second ends of the ring held between the receiving member and headmember.

The content and disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/686,695, filed Jun. 3, 2005 is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one example embodiment ofthe invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention isnot limited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention of the lock andretaining sleeve installed with a watthour meter sealing ring in accordwith one possible embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side-section view of the present invention of a watthourmeter sealing ring and the lock and retaining sleeve in the uninstalledposition in accord with one possible embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective section view of the present invention of thelock and retaining sleeve, in the “preloaded” position, installed into awatthour meter sealing ring, in accord with one possible embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side-section view of the lock and retaining sleeve, in the“preloaded” position, installed into a watthour meter sealing ring.

FIG. 5 is a side-section view of the lock and retaining sleeve, in the“locked” position, installed into a watthour meter sealing ring.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention of a combinationof the lock and retaining sleeve, receiving member, and first and secondring ends in accord with one possible embodiment of the presentinvention.

While the present invention will be described in connection withpresently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is notintended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary,it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalentsincluded within the spirit of the invention and as defined in theappended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, theattached figures illustrate an apparatus for securing a plurality ofstructures or a portion of a utility service enclosure. For example, inone embodiment, the apparatus is used for securing a watthour metersocket ring so as to prevent the separation of two opposing members ofthe watthour meter socket box ring. The apparatus may be used forcreating a tamper-evident seal by securably connecting a plurality ofstructures. The apparatus may also be used as a locking assembly with atleast one structure as will hereinafter be explained in further detail.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a securing sealing ring 2 for aringed-type meter box (not shown). In order to hold a meter (not shown)in place and prevent its removal from the meter box, both the meter andmeter base incorporate a corresponding set of flanges (not shown) thatare retained together with an annular, lockable sealing ring 2. Thelockable sealing ring 2 is designed to encase and captivate thecorresponding flanges of the meter and base when the ends 9A, 9B of thesealing ring 2 are held or connected together. There are different typesof lock devices for holding or connecting the ends 9A, 9B together. Aplunger type lock is typically used that is adapted to hold the ends ofthe sealing ring together.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown one example embodiment forsecuring a plurality of structures with each of the plurality ofstructures defining an aperture therein. FIG. 2 shows a plurality ofstructures 9A, 9B having apertures 12A, 12B which may be any of avariety of structures. In one example embodiment, the plurality ofstructures comprise first and second ends 9A, 9B of a ring 2, which maybe connected or disconnected, the ring being adapted to mount a meter toa meter box structure (not shown). Each of the first and second ends 9A,9B of the ring 2 defines apertures 12A, 12B therein respectively. Asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a lock 19 and a retaining sleeve 1 isadapted to be installed onto a watthour meter box sealing ring 2. FIG. 2shows the lock 19 prior to the lock being retained by retaining sleeve1.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown one example embodiment forsecuring first and second ends 9A, 9B of a meter sealing ring 2, themeter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthourmeter box. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the lock 19 has a headmember 6 and a shank portion 8, which in one example embodiment is ashaft member. The lock 19 further comprises at least one and preferablytwo moveable locking members 4A, 4B (but may include a plurality of lockmembers having various other suitable configurations adapted for lockingengagement). The shaft member 8 is insertable through an aperture 12Aformed in the first end 9A of the sealing ring 2. In this way, the lock19 may be viewed as being mounted to the first end of the sealing ring.

A retaining sleeve 1 is adapted to capture the shank portion or, forexample, shaft member 8 wherein the lock 19 is retained on the first end9A of the sealing ring 2. In an example embodiment, the shank portionmay be viewed as being between the first and second ends 9A, 9B of thesealing ring 2.

A receiving member 3 in alternate example embodiment is adapted tosecure the moveable locking members 4A, 4B of the shank portion or shaftmember 8 with the first and second ends 9A, 9B of the ring 2 heldbetween the receiving member and head member 6.

In one example embodiment, the shank portion comprises a shaft member 8with an outer surface defining a cylindrical groove 21. The retainingsleeve preferably has an axial bore adapted to receive at least aportion of the shaft member 8 with the retaining sleeve adapted insurrounding relation with at least a portion of a cylindrical groove 21so as to slidably capture the shaft member 8. However, it will beappreciated that the groove may only extend around a portion of theshaft or be configured like a slot or have another configurationsuitable for slidable engagement and capture by the retaining sleeve 1.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 the lock 19 generally collectivelycomprises the head member 6, the shaft member 8, preferably multiplemoveable locking members 4 ideally having a spherical configuration (orcylindrical or other configuration), the cylindrical groove 21 disposedon the shaft member 8, and a biasing structure. The biasing structure ispreferably a plunger 5 and a spring 7.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the retaining sleeve 1 is generallycomprised of an aperture 20, a radial groove 13, a captive shoulder 4,and a retaining flange 16.

When the plunger 5 is retracted toward the head 6, as shown in FIG. 2,the spherical locking members 4 are allowed to retract radially inward,allowing the lock shaft to pass through a circular opening that isslightly larger than the lock shaft 8 diameter; this is the “unlockedposition”.

When in the “unlocked” position, the lock shaft 8, is adapted to passthrough an aperture 12 disposed on a sealing ring member 9 and forciblyreceive retaining sleeve 1. As the retaining sleeve 1 is engaged closerto the head member 6, the retaining flange 16 will collapse into thespace defined by the cylindrical groove 21 disposed on the lock shaftmember 8. This allows the retaining sleeve 1 to freely slide in opposinglimiting axial positions, and consequently, captivating the sealing ringmember 9 between the lock head 6 and the retaining sleeve 1.

When the plunger 5 is released, shown in FIG. 5, the spring 7, which iscaptivated between the head 6 and the plunger 5, forces the plunger 5toward the spherical locking members 4. This causes an edge 14 of theplunger 5 to force the spherical locking members 4 radially outwarduntil the larger diameter of the plunger 5 can pass through the lockingmembers 4; this is the “locked” position.

As the retaining sleeve 1 is moved toward the front of the lock shaft 8(furthest from the lock head 6), the groove wall 17 disposed on the lockshaft 8 interferes with the retaining flange 16, preventing theretaining sleeve 1 from separating from the lock shaft 8. When theretaining sleeve 1 is in this position and the plunger 5 is released,the radial groove 13 captivates the locking members 4 and will not allowthe plunger 5 to pass though them and into the “locked” position. Thisensures that a constant force is applied to the wall of the radialgroove 13 of the retaining member 1.

When the tip of the lock shaft 8 is inserted into the aperture 10 of thelock receiving member 3, the retaining sleeve 1 bears against the entryperimeter of receiving member 3 until the applied force exceeds theresistive force created by the interference between the sphericallocking members 4 and the captive shoulder 15, allowing the retainingsleeve 1 to slide toward the rear of the lock shaft 8 (closest to thelock head) and away from the spherical locking members 4. This allowsthe lock shaft 8 to fully enter the lock receiving member 3 until thespherical locking members 4 can expand into the radial groove 11(“locked” position). When the lock 19 is unlocked and pulled away fromthe lock receiving member 3, the retaining sleeve 1 is forced back tothe “preloaded” position, retaining the spherical locking members 4 onceagain.

In another example embodiment, the retaining sleeve may also serve as aspacer-like member between a plurality structures, with the retainingsleeve being dimensioned as required to set apart the structures asdesired. It may also be made of an insulating material and used as aretaining member and/or insulating member as well as a spacer.

Another example embodiment of FIG. 6 comprises a combination 50 of thelock 19, first and second ring ends 9A, 9B, retaining sleeve 1, andreceiving member 3 being cooperatively interengaged. With thisconfiguration, at least a portion (such as the lock and housing orhousing and second end of the ring or of the combination is separable,but still interengaged in the combination 50.

Various other example embodiments provide an apparatus that may beadapted for use on a utility service enclosure. Such a utility serviceenclosure is used not only in the electric utility industry (e.g., ameter box) but also in the gas, water, cable, TV utility industries orin other utility industries.

The design described does not limit the scope of the invention; thenumber of flanges may change, or various components may be added orremoved to the above-described concept to aid in improved security andoperation.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, that various changes in the design, organization,order of operation, means of operation, equipment structures andlocation, methodology, the use of mechanical equivalents, such asdifferent types of fasteners and locking devices than as illustratedwhereby different steps may be utilized, as well as in the details ofthe illustrated construction or combinations of features of the variouselements may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.As well, the drawings are intended to describe the concepts of theinvention so that the presently preferred embodiments of the inventionwill be plainly disclosed to one of skill in the art but are notintended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of finalproducts and may include simplified conceptual views as desired foreasier and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. Aswell, the relative size and arrangement of the components may be variedfrom that shown and the invention still operate well within the spiritof the invention as described hereinbefore and in the appended claims.Thus, various changes and alternatives may be used that are containedwithin the spirit of the invention.

Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure and description of the inventionis illustrative and explanatory thereof, and it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, that various changes in the ordering of steps,ranges, interferences, spacings, hardware, and/or attributes andparameters, as well as in the details of the illustrations orcombinations of features of the methods and system discussed herein, maybe made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1. An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box, the apparatus comprising: a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring; and a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring. 